What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve.

What is Glaucoma Surgery ?

Surgery involves either laser treatment or making a cut in the eye to reduce the intraocular pressure. The type of surgery your doctor recommends will depend on the type and severity of your glaucoma and the general health of your eye.

Types of glaucoma surgery

There are many types of glaucoma surgery, with new surgical treatments being developed and perfected all the time. An ophthalmologist will assess your individual condition and help you decide which option is best for you.

Laser Surgery : A doctors will often recommend laser surgery before incisional surgery, unless the eye pressure is very high or the optic nerve is badly damaged. During laser surgery, a focused beam of light is used to treat the eye’s trabecular meshwork. This helps increase the flow of fluid out of the eye.

Incisional Surgery : It involves creating a drainage hole with the use of a small surgical tool. This new opening allows the intraocular fluid to bypass the clogged drainage canals and flow out. When laser surgery does not successfully lower eye pressure, or the pressure begins to rise again, the doctor may recommend incisional surgery.